An arrest warrant has been issued for a 38-year-old man that police have described as armed and dangerous.
The warrant was issued following a collision between an SUV and a pickup truck on Township Road 394 in Haynes on Nov. 6 at roughly 4 p.m. Police say after the two vehicles collided, the driver of the SUV, which no longer operated, got out and took the truck forcefully.
Police say the driver of the truck wasn’t injured in the collision but was hurt during the struggle. Police also added the driver wasn’t directly threatened by the suspect.
The stolen vehicle, which had two flat tires, was seen travelling north towards Bashaw, then Ponoka before heading towards an oilfield lease site. While the vehicle was recovered, the suspect was not.
After an extensive search, which included helicopters, search dogs and multiple members of various RCMP detachments, police say the suspect was able to flee the oilfield property on a snowmobile.
RCMP believe the suspect driver is Michael Richter. Police say at the time of the crash, Richter was wearing white camouflage, carrying a white bag and allegedly a rifle.
Police are looking to charge Richter with six criminal code offences connected to the incident including failing to remain at the scene of an accident, robbery and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Police say Richter has had prior arrest warrants out of Ponoka and Red Deer.
He is described as Caucasian, five-foot-10, weighing 150 pounds, bald with some facial hair and having hazel eyes. He also has a small scar on the left side of his chin.
Police are considering Richter armed and dangerous and urging the public not to approach him but instead call Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3300, contact your local police service or contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.